PM Narendra Modi dedicates largest warship, pitches for self-reliance

PANAJI: Prime minister Narendra Modi on Saturday dedicated INS Vikramaditya, the largest and most powerful aircraft carrier inducted into the Indian Navy, to the nation, terming it an “important day for our nation”. Saying security remains his top priority, Modi asserted that “we want to see eye-to-eye with the world”. He also reiterated his commitment to the one-rank one-pension cause. “My government is committed to one-rank one-pension,” said Modi. “There were many promises on one-rank onepension, but no action was taken,” he said.

While on board INS Vikramaditya, Modi also hopped into the cockpit of a MiG-29K fighter jet. The 44,500-tonne INS Vikramaditya, procured from Russia, is one of the newest acquisitions of the Navy and the most powerful symbol of its military reach. It was commissioned by the then defence minister AK Antony last November at Russia’s Sevmash shipyard. Modi said his government was committed to increasing investment in infrastructure as it would not only create jobs but also spur investment across sectors. He also backed indigenous production of defence equipment, at a time when industry is divided on allowing higher FDI in the sector. Stressing on timely completion of projects such as the New Mandovi Bridge in Goa, whose foundation stone he laid on Saturday, the PM said, “Good infrastructure can boost the economy... The people of India, today, want good quality of infrastructure.”